MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu urges unity and mother tongue promotion at Institute of Chokri Literature launch in Kohima.
Share
KOHIMA — MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu on Tuesday called for unity among the Chakhesang community while stressing the importance of preserving and promoting the mother tongue at the launch of the Institute of Chokri Literature (ICL) in Kohima.
The MLA was addressing the launching programme of ICL, an initiative of the Chokri Chakhesang Literature Board (CCLB), held at the conference hall of Red Cross Building, Kohima.
Terming the establishment of the institute as a milestone, Nienu said the initiative aligns with the Government of India and Government of Nagaland’s encouragement of research and development of indigenous languages.
While underscoring the value of language preservation, he cautioned against allowing linguistic differences to create divisions within the community.
He urged the people to take positive steps that would strengthen unity rather than weaken it.
The legislator acknowledged the pioneers of Chokri literature who had contributed significantly to the growth and development of the language. He also commended the research committee for its efforts in achieving the milestone.
Also read: Road Safety Award 2026 presented at Kohima DPDB meeting
Observing that language is deeply rooted in the Bible, he called for renewed efforts to promote the mother tongue in order to uphold the teachings of forefathers and encourage further research.
Describing the occasion as solemn and significant, the legislator said Chokri-speaking community must strive to move forward competitively in areas such as education, business, leadership and unity, where he felt the community was lagging behind.
He urged the Chokri people to emulate the positive values and virtues of the Khezha-Khuzha and Sapou groups within the Chakhesang community, emphasising that the ultimate agenda should not be to fragment the Chakhesang.
He further stressed the need to promote unity among the Chakhesang and strengthen brotherhood among the Nagas.
Expressing satisfaction over the encouraging turnout of students enrolling in ICL, he assured all possible assistance to help them achieve their aspirations, secure employment, pursue research and gain recognition at the government level.
Vezuhu Keyho, president of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), emphasised the importance of the mother tongue, stating that identity is lost without knowledge of one’s own language.
He lamented that many parents today fail to impart their mother tongue to their children and termed the trend concerning. He called upon both parents and children to make concerted efforts to learn and preserve their language and encouraged students to become trendsetters.
Razouseyi Vese, Director of School Education, highlighted features of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes mother tongue instruction within the framework of state curriculum development.
Vese also called for necessary vetting procedures to enable ICL to continue promoting the language, adding that languages must evolve with time.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Zokho Venuh recalled that the Chakhesang Literature Committee was established in the 1970s and that the language was introduced in schools before facing a hiatus.
He said the initiative has since been revived and reintroduced. He informed that the Department of School Education has granted permission to start ICL and that a Class IX textbook has already been introduced, with plans to expand to higher classes.
Initially, six high schools have confirmed the introduction of the Chokri language in Class IX. Acknowledging the contributions of Thupukutho Lohe in securing government approval and recognition for ICL, Dr. Venuh stated that the institute will offer a six-month certificate course and a one-year diploma course. Students who have passed Class 10 are eligible for the certificate course, while those who have completed Class 12 or its equivalent can enrol in the diploma course.
A total of 81 students—28 female and 53 male—have registered in the first batch. The institute will initially function at Capital College of Higher Education, with classes scheduled after 4 pm. The teaching faculty for ICL includes Dr. Vekhruzo Keyho, Dr. Sekholu Tetseo, Nuveta Khusoh and Vesavolu R Soho.
The programme was chaired by Vekhozo, chairman of CCLB, who delivered the welcome address, a folk song was presented by Vetsuno Ringa and friends. The vote of thanks was proposed by Vethikhoyi Khamo.
On the occasion Nienu also released two books which were published by the CCLB.